What is Heart Valve Disease?

Heart valve disease happens when the heart valves don’t work the
way they should because of damage or a defect. When your heart valves fail to
open or close properly:

The heart loses its ability to pump
effectively.

Your body doesn’t receive the oxygen-rich
blood it needs.

The tissue-thin valves between the chambers in your heart
constantly open and close to regulate the flow of blood from chamber to
chamber. Problems with the heart valves make the heart work harder. Over time,
this extra work may weaken your heart’s pumping action and enlarge your heart,
increasing your risk of developing heart failure.

Heart valve problems include:

Stenosis, when a valve isn't able to open
properly

Regurgitation, when a valve doesn't close
properly and can leak

Symptoms of Heart Valve Disease

Many people with valve disease have no symptoms. The most common
sign is an unusual heart sound called a heart murmur, but many people have
heart murmurs without having valve problems. Other symptoms include:

Shortness of breath or difficulty
breathing

Swollen ankles, feet or abdomen

Wheezing or coughing

Fatigue or weakness

Dizziness or fainting

Rapid or irregular heartbeat

Chest pain or pressure

Diagnosing Heart Valve Disease

We use several advanced diagnostic tools to help determine whether
you have heart valve disease. In a physical exam, your physician will listen to
your heart to see if you a heart murmur. Your physician may order tests
including:

Treating Heart Valve Disease at Wake Forest Baptist

If valve damage is mild, your doctor may decide to take a “wait
and see” approach and/or treat your symptoms with medication. If damage to the
valve is more severe, surgery to repair or replace the valve may be needed.

Disclaimer: The information on this website is for general informational purposes only and SHOULD NOT be relied upon as a substitute for sound professional medical advice, evaluation or care from your physician or other qualified health care provider.